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T eryn didn’t put up a fight as he was hauled from the prison tent. He knew where the guards were taking him as they dragged him through camp, their pace too fast for him to keep his feet beneath him. His legs felt like water even when he did manage a few steps, as he hadn’t been allowed to walk much since arriving at Centerpointe Rock. He’d been chained, guarded, and given only the bare essentials to keep him alive. Now he was about to see his father for the last time. His only regret was that he wouldn’t get to speak with him. The gag tied over his mouth wouldn’t allow him to tell his father it was all right. That he could let him go.

Hopefully Cora had. Otherwise, his father might not know enough about Morkai to reject his terms for surrender. And that…that just wasn’t a possibility. His kingdom had to fight, war or no. They could not yield to the mage. They had to destroy him.

The guards halted just outside the camp at the edge of the wide-open field. Teryn gathered the crisp morning air into his lungs, savoring what might be one of his last easy breaths. Several more guards and soldiers were already waiting, along with King Dimetreus. Teryn looked out at the field, seeking any sign of the opposing camp, but the valley was enormous. He could see nothing beyond the shape of the rock. Before it, however, was the silhouette of Morkai. Once the duke reached the Rock, he climbed upon it. It was brazen the way he stood unguarded, as if he were taunting the other side to act against him. Teryn almost wished they would. Any act of violence would result in retaliation. Should anyone attack Morkai now, Teryn—as hostage—would be put to death.

A price he was willing to pay.

He turned his eyes to the sky, basking in the sunlight on his skin. There was hardly a cloud to be seen, only the blue, pink, and orange hue of sunrise. It was beautiful. Perhaps the last beautiful thing he’d see.

A shadow darted over his vision—a bird. With a start, he noted the familiar flight pattern, the wingspan. His heart ached to see Berol. Of course she’d come. She’d always been able to find him. He could only hope that she wouldn’t act when the time came for him to die, for if she got herself killed in the process, he wouldn’t be able to leave this world free of regret.

“You played the hero well,” said a mocking voice. Teryn shifted his gaze from the sky to find Dimetreus watching him with disdain. “But you ended up being a traitor. You and that…that vile girl.”

Teryn bristled at hearing Cora called vile by her own brother. He started to speak but found his words muffled by the gag. Instead, he bit down on it and burned the king with a glare.

Dimetreus sneered back. “To think I let you into my castle. Fed you. Clothed you. To think I showed that wretched girl kindness when I should have sent a knife through her heart?—”

Teryn lurched forward, but the guards kept him in place. He gave up his struggle and shouted at the king through his gag.

Dimetreus fully faced him and closed the distance between them.

“Your Majesty,” one of the guards warned.

“I want to hear his last words,” Dimetreus barked. With rough hands, he pulled the gag from Teryn’s mouth. “Speak, filth. Let me hear your excuses for the last time. Fuel my vengeance and make it that much sweeter when justice comes.”

Teryn held the king’s gaze. “That girl is your sister.” His voice felt rough in his throat. He’d been gagged since his arrival at Centerpointe Rock. “The one you call wretched. Vile. She really is Princess Aveline.”

Dimetreus gave a disbelieving shake of his head. “My sister is dead. That girl was an impostor. I should have known better than to believe such a fantasy.”

“If your sister is dead, then that means Selay never held her hostage. If that’s the case, why are you trying to conquer them and Menah?”

“Selay sent the spy who killed my wife and sister. Menah was in on it. They sent you?—”

“To do what? To claim a bounty on a woman I thought was a killer only to find out she was a lost princess?”

“No, you infiltrated my castle with a girl parading around as Aveline.”

“Again I ask you, to do what? What reason did I have? What reason has anyone—Selay, Menah—had for their supposed crimes? What threats have you received? Seen with your own eyes?”

Dimetreus blinked hard several times. His glazed eyes held the same confused quality they’d had when Cora tried to tell him the truth. “You…you have no right to question me?—”

“She told me her name was Cora.”

Dimetreus’ face went slack. He took a step back, blinking hard again.

Teryn was emboldened with the hope that he was—at least somewhat—getting through to the king. The one that existed beyond the duke’s control. “It makes sense now,” Teryn said, speaking carefully to keep Dimetreus’ full attention. “Aveline Corasande Caelan, Princess of Khero. You watched her dance. You sat next to her at dinner. Do you honestly believe in your heart of hearts that she wasn’t your sister?”

The king’s throat bobbed, face pale.

“She’s still alive. And…and she loves you.” Teryn wasn’t sure that last part was true. After everything Cora had been through, he’d understand if she hated her brother.

“The signal, Your Majesty,” said a guard.

Dimetreus’ lips curled away from his teeth. “Lies. Every word a lie.” Just as roughly as he’d taken the gag down, he shoved it back over Teryn’s mouth. This time it didn’t make it between his teeth. Instead, it was pushed only over his lower lip, something that neither the king nor any of the guards seemed to notice.

Teryn was once again forced to move forward. As he followed after the king’s entourage toward Centerpointe Rock, a spark of hope filled his chest. Not over his exchange with the king, for that had served no purpose in the end. His hope was that, if he could work his gag just a little lower, he might be able to speak to his father one more time after all.

Larylis thought his heart would shatter in two as he looked at his brother standing on the opposite side of Centerpointe Rock, flanked by guards and the traitor king. Duke Morkai stood with Arlous and Verdian upon the rock, but Larylis only had eyes for his brother and his shockingly awful state. Teryn’s hair stood in disarray, the already dark strands heavy with grease. His skin was smudged with dirt, his tired eyes shadowed with dark circles, his cheeks far hollower than they normally were. His clothing—a pair of black trousers and what appeared to be a once-fine shirt—was torn and stained.

Teryn met his eyes, but all Larylis could see was Mareleau’s face. Her lips. Her eyes heavy with desire. His brother had been imprisoned, starved, and perhaps even tortured, while Larylis had been kissing his fiancée. They would have done more had he not regained his senses. It had taken all his restraint to leave Mareleau, the woman he loved, the woman who loved him back, but it had been the right thing to do. They could love each other all they wanted, but they could never be together. Her father would never allow it, and Teryn…

His heart ached to look at him. It only deepened his guilt knowing that Larylis now stood in their father’s entourage as a false prince. Arlous’ newly legitimized heir. A necessary ruse for when they’d attempt to make their refusal to surrender convincing. Morkai had to think they’d given up on getting Teryn back, all to provide enough time to spirit Teryn away and flee Centerpointe Rock before the duke learned of their duplicity.

Larylis had a plan. One that was not allowed to fail.

Larylis pulled his gaze away from Teryn to assess the proceedings on the rock. Arlous, Verdian, and Morkai stood several feet apart from each other on the rock’s surface. Their respective entourages stood on the ground behind them. Arlous and Verdian had each brought their war generals and a small group of soldiers to form their retinues, while Dimetreus stood only with soldiers bearing Duke Morkai’s sigil. It was no surprise that the duke was speaking for the king, both as his proxy and war general. If everything Lex had said was true, the king was merely a puppet.

The three men upon the rock kept their voices low and calm, but Larylis could still hear most of what was being said. Morkai had already reminded the two kings what was at stake—Teryn’s life if both parties didn’t surrender. They would not get another chance to see Teryn alive if they didn’t acquiesce. Now the duke was delivering each kingdom’s terms for surrender.

“Verdian, along with your surrender to your new king, you must claim responsibility for sending the spy that killed Queen Linette.”

Verdian opened his mouth, his face crimson, but he managed to hold his tongue. His shoulders tensed, hands curled so tightly his knuckles went white.

Duke Morkai gave him a taunting smile. “You may be offered a dukedom should you easily comply. Your crown, palace, fortune, and all trade agreements will be transferred into King Dimetreus’ possession.”

Verdian’s lip curled as if he were cursing the duke under his breath. Larylis was impressed the king was able to remain silent. It had been part of their plan—hear the duke’s terms, make no argument, request time to deliberate—but Verdian wasn’t known for restraint.

Morkai turned his gaze to Arlous. “Along with Menah’s surrender to King Dimetreus, you will confess to colluding with Selay in orchestrating Queen Linette’s murder as well as sending Prince Teryn as a spy to Ridine Castle. You’ll be made a viscount should you readily comply. Your crown, palace, fortune, and all trade agreements will be transferred into King Dimetreus’ possession.”

Arlous pursed his lips against the arguments that were sure to be brimming behind his clenched teeth. Larylis, on the other hand, felt as if his blood had been doused in ice. These ridiculous terms, confessing to crimes they didn’t commit…would they not result in severe punishments for Arlous and Verdian both, regardless of any titles bestowed? He had the prickling feeling they were all being toyed with. As if the duke didn’t care whether they surrendered or not.

Only that they were here.

The armor he wore suddenly felt too light. Too insubstantial. Aside from the soldiers, who wore full plates, and Teryn who had no protection, everyone present wore only breastplates and gauntlets. Anything heavier would have signaled an expectation for battle. Anything less would be foolish.

Larylis was starting to think that coming here without a full army behind them had been the foolish choice.

“Is that all?” Verdian said through his teeth.

The duke nodded. “Simple terms. A simple choice.”

Larylis held his breath, waiting for his father or Verdian to deliver the next piece of their plan.

Arlous shifted his jaw and spoke, words clipped. “We will inform you of our decision at midnight tonight.”

Larylis released a relieved sigh. That was what the rest of his plan hinged on. They needed the cover of darkness to act. Needed to get Morkai out of the camp while there was limited visibility. Larylis already knew how to find Teryn. Berol had located his tent before the delegation had even arrived. They’d spied on it the night before, hiding on the hillside. The only thing that had kept them from acting right away was the presence of the damn duke. He and his monster stalked the camp every hour of the night, and Larylis dared not face him head on. But tonight…

Tonight, they’d act. Larylis would stand at his father’s side, drawing out negotiations and arguing over everything they resisted bringing up now. It would give Larylis’ force of covert operatives the chance they needed to sneak into camp while the duke was distracted.

Arlous stood taller. “We’ll meet you back here?—”

“No,” Morkai said.

The word sent a shard of glass through Larylis’ heart, puncturing his hope, his well-laid plans.

“Excuse me?” Verdian said. “You cannot deny us time to deliberate.”

“I can,” the duke said, his expression devoid of shame. “You will surrender now. It is a matter of Prince Teryn’s life. The choice should be easy.” He slowly angled his head toward Verdian. “Or perhaps it isn’t easy for you. Perhaps you don’t care enough about the prince’s fate to be moved. Perhaps my terms weren’t gracious enough for you.”

Arlous leveled a dark stare at Verdian, but he refused to meet it.

“How about I provide a royal marriage for your daughter?” Morkai said.

Larylis’ veins burned with anger. How dare he bring Mareleau into this!

Verdian narrowed his eyes. “Selay will surrender if my daughter is married to King Dimetreus. Our surrender will only be made after she has borne the king an heir and you have left the continent.”

Morkai let out a dark chuckle. “Your daughter will be given a marriage of my choosing, your surrender will happen now, and I will not be going anywhere.”

“No!” The word erupted from Verdian’s lips. “I’ve had enough of this farce, sorcerer. Selay will not surrender. You now have my answer.” With that, Verdian stepped off the rock and stormed away, his retinue following behind. Larylis blinked after him, his body seized with terror.

To save Teryn’s life, both kingdoms had to surrender.

“My…my son…” His father’s anguished voice drew Larylis’ gaze back to the rock. He expected to see a knife at his brother’s throat, a sword over his bowed head. Instead, Morkai had stepped closer to Arlous, a mocking frown turning the corners of his lips.

“I’m a sympathetic man, Arlous. I’ll give you one last chance. I will spare Teryn’s life if you surrender. I will make you an ally and we will stand up against Selay together. You can get revenge for the final insult Verdian has made to your son. What will it be?”

Arlous’ expression was vacant. Hopeless.

Muffled shouts came from Dimetreus’ entourage. Larylis’ gaze shot to Teryn as he struggled against the guards that held him back. He rubbed his chin against his shoulder again and again. Finally, he managed to get the gag beneath his mouth and his voice came out clear. “Do not surrender. Whatever you do, do not surrender. I’ve made peace with my fate, Father. I promise you I have. Fight him.”

One of the guards backhanded Teryn with an armored glove, splitting Teryn’s cheek. Another shoved Teryn’s gag back into his mouth.

Morkai sighed as if the outburst had been merely a minor irritation. “What is your decision?”

Arlous stared at Teryn, his brows furrowed. Agony was etched into every crease on his face. Their father had always been strong. Stubborn. Willing to stand for what he wanted regardless of the cost or conflict. He was a steadfast ruler and a kind father. He was unflappable in all things.

Except when it came to love.

That was where his father was weak.

A strange mixture of terror, defeat, and relief swarmed through Larylis as he realized his father had only one choice. He was going to surrender. Lela would fall to the rule of a blood mage to save Teryn’s life. Larylis didn’t blame him. Not at all. He only dreaded what would happen to this land in the days, months, and years to come.

Arlous spoke, his voice far stronger than Larylis expected. “Very well. We will give you our final decision. First, I request an exchange of hostage.”

A chill ran down Larylis’ spine. Not once had they discussed a change of hostage.

Morkai scoffed. “A change of hostage? Who do you suggest to take his place?” His gaze slid slowly to Larylis.

He blanched, his legs nearly giving way beneath him. His father was going to…to sacrifice him . A surge of betrayal twisted his heart, but he pushed it away along with the tears that pricked his eyes. This was a sacrifice that needed to be made. If Menah didn’t surrender, death would be the toll. Better to kill the bastard than the heir.

Another spike of betrayal tightened his chest.

“No,” Arlous said. “I want you to take me.”

Larylis froze, his mind reeling to comprehend his father’s words.

Morkai grinned as if the proceedings were an entertaining spectacle. “I cannot allow you to decide your kingdom’s fate and play hostage at the same time.”

Arlous shook his head. “My son will take my place. His decision will be final.”

“I can hardly trust the crown prince to make such an important decision on Menah’s behalf,” Morkai said. “He’s already made his stance clear. Not that I blame him. I believe he’s feeling rather sore about being a hostage.”

“Not Teryn,” Arlous said. “But my other heir, Larylis Alante.”

Larylis looked from his father to Teryn. None of this made sense. He wasn’t truly an Alante. It was only supposed to be an act in the service of a plan that had already failed.

Morkai turned his gaze on Larylis, studying him as if seeing him for the first time. “Larylis Alante?”

Larylis shook his head to deny it, but his father’s voice rang out. “You are an Alante, Larylis. It is my final wish.”

“I accept,” Morkai said. He snapped his fingers and two guards dragged Teryn onto the rock. Everything seemed to happen in a blur as Teryn—still bound and gagged—was turned over to Arlous’ war commander, General Nellman. Meanwhile, Larylis was beckoned onto the rock. Arlous now stood where Teryn had been, his wrists tied behind his back. It took Larylis a moment to realize his father had been stripped of all weapons and armor, and they now lay on the ground at Teryn’s feet.

He met his father’s gaze, who held his eyes with a knowing look. “I trust you. You will make the decision we’ve already settled on. Do you understand me? I believe in you. I love—” His voice was cut off as a guard tied a gag around his mouth. With nothing left to say, Arlous only gave him a resigned nod.

Larylis’ heart hammered so hard he could hear it. It pounded in his ears, mingling with the echo of his father’s words.

You will make the decision we’ve already settled on.

His stomach churned, sending bile rising to his throat.

Do you understand me?

Larylis understood completely.

Morkai gave him a wry grin. “What’s your choice, Larylis Alante?”

I believe in you.

He swallowed hard. His voice sounded far away when he finally spoke. “We refuse to surrender.”

“Very well.” Morkai lifted his cane and tugged on the amber crystal that adorned the top. In a flash, the cane separated in two, revealing a long, slim dagger attached to the crystal, its hilt the same black color of his cane. Then, with a swipe, he slashed it over Arlous’ throat.